DAILY- HOMILY

August 1, 2018 – WEDNESDAY, 17TH Week in Ordinary Time

St. Alphonsus Ligouri

Bishop and Religious Founder

Memorial. White.

Jer 15: 10, 16 -21 / Mt 13: 44- 46

From Naples, St. Alphonsus Ligouri (1696 -1787) founded the Congregatoin of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists, 1732) and was a famed moral theologian.

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Jer 15: 16- 21

I devoured your words when they came. They were my happiness and I felt full of joy when you made your Name rest on me. Never did I associate with worldly people, amusing myself with scoffers. When your hand was upon me I stood apart and you filled me with your anger. Why is there no end to my sorrow or healing for my wound? Why do you deceive me, and why does my spring suddenly dry up?

Then Yahweh spoke to me, "If you return I will take you back and you will serve me again. Draw the gold from the dross and you will be as my own mouth.. You must draw them to you and not go over to them. I will make you a fortress and a wall of bronze facing them; if they fight against you they will not overcome you; I am with you to free you and save you. I will redeem you from the wicked and free you from the hands of tyrants."

GOSPEL READING:           Mt 13: 44- 46

Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he that he goes and sells everything he has in order to buy that field.

"Again the kingdom of heaven is like a trader who is looking for fine pearls. Once he found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it."

REFLECTION

In the first reading we hear Jeremiah speaking about the challenges of a prophet of God: despite the difficulties God will support and protect his prophet.

In two brief parables Jesus tries to tell people what the kingdom of heaven is about: like one who finds a hidden treasure in the field and sells all he owns to be able to purchase the field and like a trader who finds a truly exceptional pearl and sells all he owns to purchase the pearl.

The kingdom of heaven is so valuable we should be willing to sell all we own to get to the kingdom of heaven.

Various things may hinder our pursuit of the kingdom of heaven: our own human limitations and weaknesses, our lack of faith, our focus on things of this earth rather on things which persist beyond this earth and the guiles of the evil one. Whatever the hindrances may be, we do need a personal relationship with Jesus who has told us about the kingdom of heaven and who has led the way for us to enjoy the kingdom of heaven.

May we never go astray in our pursuit of God and the kingdom of heaven.

FINALLY, WE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED OUR PRAYERS AND FOR THOSE WHO NEED OUR PRAYERS THE MOST. 

Have a good day!

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